On 21 March Techstart was founded, the new project of the Limburg consortium Stichting Hoogstarters Limburg. Via this project the initiative takers want to give innovative starters in Limburg more chances.

Hoogstarters Limburg recently successfully could make use of the grant regulation knowledge exploitation ‘Subsidieregeling KennisExploitatie (SKE)’ of the ministry of Economic Affairs. They were granted 1 million euro. Together with the support of Provincie Limburg and the initiative takers of Hoogstarters Limburg: LIOF, Syntens, University Maastricht, Fontys Hogeschool and Hogeschool Zuyd and project partners Chemelot and Océ the project has created a preseed fund of 1,44 million euro.

With these means Techstart can help innovative starters financially before the organisation is founded. A risk bearing loan of maximum € 35,000 can be given to a potential starter to develop his idea to a well funded business plan. The loan can be send on the building of a proto type, patent request, advice, writing a business plan and other starters expenses. Because the loan is risk bearing the starter can make these expenses with limited financial risks. If the plan fails the loan will be remitted. Besides financial support Techstart and the project partners also provide coaching and advice to the starter.

Source: Liof.nl